12+

Preparing
When you receive your admission letter it may be in your interest to find out if you will be on the children's ward or in the case of an older teenager you could be given a bed on an adult ward. Find out as much information as you can by contacting the Admissions Department.

Make a list of your friends' addresses and telephone numbers so that you can contact them when you feel well enough and ask them to keep in touch with you with all the latest news and gossip.

Part of the preparation for your stay in hospital will be to think about the things you will need to take with you.  Ensure all your personal items that you bring into hospital have been labelled.

Things to take with you

TOILETRIES

• Face cloth and/or sponge
• Soap, shampoo & conditioner 
• Towels
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shaving equipment (if needed)
• Brush/comb and hairties if you use them
• Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
• Comfortable daytime clothing

Other essential items

• Money for the telephone
• Small change for the hospital shop, trolley or vending machines
• Books, comics, magazines 
• Personal Audio equipment
• Stationary and pens etc
• Handheld games console 
• If you already take medication or need to wear glasses then remember to take those along too

Understanding your condition and treatment.
Before going into hospital find out as much information as you can about your condition and intended treatment. The doctor, specialist and your parents will be able to give you any information you require. If you have any worries do not keep them to yourself, talk about them to other people.

On your arrival in the hospital it is essential for you to understand your condition and any tests, treatment or operation you may have to have. Ask the doctors and nurses to explain at each stage what is going to happen to you and how you will feel after the treatment, test or operation. Do not be afraid to discuss with the staff any problems or worries you may have.  It is important that the ward staff know if you have any special dietary requirements or anything you may be allergic to.

If you feel happy and confident with the treatment you are to have, then it is essential that you co-operate fully with the hospital staff for that is the best way to ensure that you get better quicker.

Education
From 12 years to 18 years of age is a very important time in your educational life. If your stay in hospital is going to be a long one then it may be sensible for you to take some school work with you to complete when you are feeling strong enough, it will help you to keep up with the rest of the people in your class. You may be in a hospital that has educational facilities e.g. school, class or personal tuition

Visitors
Your parents will be able to visit you at any time of the day or night and in certain circumstances may be able to stay in the hospital with you. Your family and friends will be able to visit you at specially allocated times depending on how well you are.